Exhaust system and features thereof

ABSTRACT

An exhaust system that includes a catalytic converter, selective catalytic reduction system, a muffler and, for certain applications, a diesel particulate filter that each include at least one filter that has an electric heating element, a metallic coating and a plurality of metal rods extending therethrough. The combination of elements are configured to heat the internal housings of the exhaust system and disrupt the direction of flow of exhaust gases which contain harmful toxic gases and pollutants and aid in removing and/or reducing said toxic gases and pollutants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims benefit to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/625,074, filed Dec. 20, 2019, which claim the benefit toInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US19/63387, filed Nov. 26,2019, which in turn claims the benefit to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16,664,172, filed Oct. 25, 2019, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the presentdisclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exhaust systems and moreparticularly to improvements to exhaust systems to remove and/orreducing harmful exhaust gases, particulate matter and other debris thatare emitted from an engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exhaust systems for fossil fuel burning internal combustion enginetypically include at least catalytic converter and a muffler connectedto the catalytic converter. It is noted that in addition to vehiclessuch as automobiles, trucks and buses, exhaust systems that include acatalytic converter can include, but are not limited to, electricalgenerators, forklifts, mining equipment, trains, motorcycles, jet skis,snow mobiles, leaf blowers, airplanes, atvs, wood stoves to controlemissions, etc.

A catalytic converter is configured to reduce and/or convert toxic gasesand pollutants of exhaust gas into less toxic pollutants by catalyzing aredox reaction (oxidation or reduction). Commonly, catalytic convertersinclude a filter that is comprised of ceramic and has honeycomb-shapedopenings. In applications where particularly high heat resistance isrequired, metallic foil monolithic filters made of Kanthal (FeCrAl) arecommonly used. Catalytic converters can include a washcoat comprised ofaluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, or a mixture ofsilica and alumina. The washcoat materials are selected to form a rough,irregular surface, which greatly increases the surface area compared tothe smooth surface of the bare substrate. This in turn maximizes thecatalytically active surface available to react with the engine exhaust.

Since the early 1980's, “three-way” (oxidation-reduction) catalyticconverters have been used in vehicle emission control systems in theUnited States and Canada. Many other countries have also adoptedstringent vehicle emission regulations that in effect require three-wayconverters on gasoline-powered vehicles. The reduction and oxidationcatalysts are typically contained in a common housing. However, in someinstances, they may be housed separately. A three-way catalyticconverter has three simultaneous tasks:

(1) Reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen: NO_(x)→O₂+N₂;

(2) Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide: CO+O₂→CO₂; and

(3) Oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water:C_(x)H_(2x+2)+[(3x+1)/2]O₂→xCO₂+(x+1)H₂O.

Three-way catalysts are effective when the engine is operated within anarrow band of air-fuel ratios near stoichiometry such that the exhaustgas oscillates between rich (excess fuel) and lean (excess oxygen)conditions, which is between 14.6 and 14.8 parts air to 1 part fuel byweight for gasoline. The ratio for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),natural gas and ethanol fuels is each slightly different, requiringmodified fuel system settings when using those fuels. However,conversion efficiency falls very rapidly when the engine is operatedoutside of that band of air-fuel ratios. Under lean engine operation,there is excess oxygen and the reduction of NOx is not favored. Underrich conditions, the excess fuel consumes all of the available oxygenprior to the catalyst, thus only stored oxygen is available for theoxidation function. Closed-loop control systems are necessary because ofthe conflicting requirements for effective NO_(x) reduction and HCoxidation. The control system must prevent the NO_(x) reduction catalystfrom becoming fully oxidized, yet replenish the oxygen storage materialto maintain its function as an oxidation catalyst.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,559, for example, is concerned with the inefficiencyof catalytic converters at low temperature, particularly duringlight-off time when an engine is first started and is directed to amethod for reducing the light off time that comprises exposing thematrix of the converter to an alternating magnetic field or toelectromagnetic radiation having such a frequency that the wash coat andthe particles of catalyst supported by the matrix are heated to thelight-off temperature without a corresponding increase in thetemperature of the entire matrix. Static magnetic fields are not usedonce the materials have been heated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to improvements to anexhaust system to reduce and/or eliminate harmful gases, debris andparticulate matter.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a catalyticconverter that includes heating elements and a filter or support latticecoated with a catalytic material. Disruptor plates that add agitation tothe flow of exhaust gases across the filter/support lattice and have anarray of holes arranged across the direction of flow of the exhaustgases can be located at inlet and outlet ports to. The array of holesforms a pseudorandom pattern. The disruptor plates are orientedorthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the external shell.

In an embodiment, a catalytic converter can include a filter or supportlattice through which a magnetic field is maintained to aid in thecirculation of exhaust gases and other particulates in a catalyticconverter. There can be an outer shell at least partially surroundingthe external shell of a catalytic converter with a plurality of magnetslocated between the shells. The magnets can, for example, have a curvedshape and/or can be arranged in sets. The magnets may lie in an arrayhaving alternating polarities. Magnets that face each other may alsohave opposing. Alternatively, magnets can have the same polarity and thepolarity might not vary along the longitudinal direction of theconverter. An array of magnets may be placed to abut the external shellfrom inside the shell and there may be a central core magnetic rod.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to an exhaust systemcomprising a catalytic converter, a selective catalytic reduction systemand a muffler. The catalytic converter can includes a housing in whichan electric heating element is at least partially arranged and in whicha filter is arranged that has a metallic coating and includes aplurality of metal rods extending therethrough. The selective catalyticreduction system includes a housing in which an electric heating elementis at least partially arranged and in which a filter is arranged thathas a metallic coating and includes a plurality of metal rods extendingtherethrough.

The catalytic converter can include two filters, a first filter and asecond filter arranged therein. The housing of the catalytic convertercan include a first housing and a second housing that is spaced from andarranged within the first housing and a plurality of magnets arrangedbetween the first housing and the second housing. The filter of theselective catalytic reduction system can include a plurality of magnetsarranged therein. The muffler can include a housing and a plurality ofplates that have a metallic coating and are spaced from each otherwithin the housing.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to an exhaust systemcomprising a catalytic converter that includes a housing in which anelectric heating element is at least partially arranged and in which afilter is arranged that has a metallic coating and includes a pluralityof metal rods extending therethrough, a diesel particulate filter thatincludes a housing in which an electric heating element is at leastpartially arranged and in which a filter is arranged that has a metalliccoating and includes a plurality of metal rods extending therethrough, aselective catalytic reduction system that includes a housing in which anelectric heating element is at least partially arranged and in which afilter is arranged that has a metallic coating and includes a pluralityof metal rods extending therethrough and a muffler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a known catalytic converter;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a support lattice of the catalytic converter ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a known catalytic converter withdisrupter plates;

FIGS. 4A-4C are side views of the disruptor plates of the catalyticconverter of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a catalytic converter withsupplemental heating elements and disruptor plates according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a catalytic converter that includesexternal magnets;

FIG. 7 is an arrangement of the external magnets;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a catalytic converter that includesinternal magnets according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of one of the internal magnets of thecatalytic converter of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the internal magnets of the catalyticconverter of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an internal system of acatalytic converter that includes heaters and electrical systems relatedthereto according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the catalytic convert ofFIG. 10 showing internal electrical heaters according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a catalytic convert of showingvarious possible locations of internal electrical heaters according toan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a perspective and end view of a coil heather thatcan represent at least one heater included in a catalytic convertersystem of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary embodiment of another heater that can bearranged within catalytic converter;

FIG. 15 is a perspective assembly view of an exhaust system or aninternal combustion engine that runs on gasoline;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of magnets that are arranged inthe catalytic converter and a selective catalytic reduction system ofthe exhaust system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is a perspective cutaway view of the catalytic converter of theexhaust system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective cutaway view of a selective catalytic reductionsystem of the exhaust system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18A is a sectional view of the filter of the selective catalyticreduction system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of one of the magnets arranged in thefilter of the selective catalytic reduction system;

FIG. 19 is a top view of a muffler associated with the exhaust system ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a detail view of coated plates arranged within the muffler ofFIG. 19;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are a perspective assembly views of an exhaust systemor an internal combustion engine that runs on diesel;

FIG. 22 is a perspective cutaway view of the catalytic converter of theexhaust system of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 23 is an end view of a filter arranged in the selective catalyticreduction system of the exhaust system of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 24 is an end view of a filter arranged in the diesel particulatefilter of the exhaust system of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 25 is a top view of a muffler associated with the exhaust system ofFIG. 21A;

FIG. 26 is a detail view of coated plates arranged within the muffler ofFIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is an assembly view of an exhaust system for a coal relatedapplication;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are front views of a filter arranged in the catalyticconverter of the exhaust system of FIG. 27;

FIG. 28 is an exhaust system for a motor cycle;

FIG. 29 is a exhaust system for a lawn mower; and

FIG. 30 is a non-battery operated exhaust system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-30,embodiments of exhaust systems and associated features thereof embodyingthe principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a catalytic converter 100that extends along a longitudinal axis 104 and comprises an externalshell 102, an inlet port 106 and an outlet port 108. Internal to theexternal shell 102 is a filter 110 a internal support lattice that canbe divided into sections by spaces 112. Heating elements 114, which areconfigured to heat the internal temperature of the catalytic converter100, can be arranged within the spaces 112 of the lattice. The heatingelements 114 are configured to heat the internal temperature of thecatalytic converter 100 which in turn aids in the removal of harmfulgases and particulate matter within the catalytic converter 100. Thefilter 110 (see FIG. 2 for end view thereof) is coated with a catalyticmaterial to maximize contact with toxic gases and particulates and slowdown the flow of these gases and particulates from the inlet port 106 tothe outlet port 108 to allow the heating elements to further aid in theremoval of harmful gases and particulate matter within the catalyticconverter 100.

The coating must retain its surface area and prevent sintering of thecatalytic metal particles even at high temperatures (1000° C.). Thecatalyst itself, most often is a mix of precious metals. Platinum is themost active catalyst. However, it is not suitable for all applicationsbecause of unwanted additional reactions and high cost. Palladium andrhodium are two other precious metals used. Rhodium is used as areduction catalyst and palladium is used as an oxidation catalyst.Platinum can be used both for reduction and oxidation. Cerium, iron,manganese and nickel are also used, although each has limitations.Nickel is not legal for use in the European Union because of itsreaction with carbon monoxide into toxic nickel tetracarbonyl. Coppercan be used everywhere except North America, where its use is illegalbecause of the formation of toxic dioxin.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a catalytic converter200 with electrical heating elements 214 arranged in spaces 212.Electrical leads 216 extend from and supply energy to the heatingelements 214, which can be, for example, constructed of nichrome wire.It is noted that electrical leads 216 can also be used to supply energyto the heating elements 114 as depicted in FIG. 1. Here, disruptorplates 218 are placed near an inlet port 206 and an outlet port 208. Thedisruptor plates 218 are included to add agitation to the flow ofexhaust gases across a filter 210 that includes a support lattice. Thesupport lattice of the filter 210, similar to the support lattice of thefilter 110 shown in FIG. 1, is coated with a catalytic material tomaximize contact with toxic gases and particulates and further aid inslowing down the flow of these gases within the catalytic converter andallow for the heating elements to at least further reduce harmful gasesand particulate matter.

FIGS. 4A-4C shows an end view of a disrupter plate 218 that includes ofan array of holes 220 that extend across the direction of flow of theexhaust gases. The array of holes are scattered about the plate 218 andare termed a pseudorandom pattern. As shown in FIG. 3, the disruptorplates 218 are oriented orthogonal to a longitudinal axis 204 of anexternal shell 202.

FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a catalytic converter 300of the present invention. The catalytic converter 300 includes heatingelements 314 arranged in openings 312 of the support lattice 310 of thefilter with electrical leads 316 extending therefrom to supply power tothe heating elements 314 and secondary planar heating elements 315, 317that are arranged near an inlet port 306 and/or an outlet port 308,adjacent to disruptor plates 318. Additional electrical leads 319 supplyenergy to the secondary planar heating elements 315, 317. Although someof the various elements are described as planar or having particularorientations, it is not required that these geometrical restrictions beexact, and approximations thereto are within the description of thevarious embodiments. Disruption of normal, substantially lamellar flowof exhaust gases can lead to an enhancement of the efficiency of thecatalytic converter 300. As such, by including multiple heating elements314, 315, 317 and disrupter plates 318 the reduction of toxic gases andparticulate matter exiting a catalytic converter is greatly reduced.

The secondary heating elements 315, 317 can also be placed near thesupport lattice of the filter 310 in addition to or in place of near theinlet port 306 and/or outlet port 308. The catalytic converter 300 aidsin destroying and removing harmful gases and particulate matter as theypass through the catalytic converter 300.

The secondary heating elements 315, 317 can be configured to heat theinternal temperature of the catalytic converter 300 to about 800° C. to1200° C. which aids in the removal of harmful gases and particulatematter within the catalytic converter 300. The support lattice of thefilter 310 (see also FIG. 11) can be coated or sprayed with noble metalsto aid in maintaining an internal temperature of about 800° C. to 1200°C. and in turn aid further in the removal of harmful gases andparticulate matter.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a catalyticconverter 400 that includes a filter 410 with a support lattice throughwhich a magnetic field is maintained between an inlet port 406 and anoutlet port 408. Here, the catalytic converter 400 is enhanced with anencompassing shell 402 partially surrounding an external shell 403. Aplurality of magnets 40 are located between the shells 402, 403. Asshown in FIG. 7, the magnets 407 may have a curved shape to approximatethe outer geometry of the external shell 403 and may be provided in twosets 407′, 407″. The magnets 407 may lie in an array having alternatingpolarities as shown in FIGS. 7. Magnets 407 that face each other mayalso have opposing polarity although that is not required.Alternatively, the magnets 407 can have the same polarity and thepolarity might not vary along the longitudinal direction of theconverter 400. Having opposite polarity facing each other will result inthe stronger magnetic field.

It is noted that the electrical leads 316, 416 are attached to a controlunit (see FIG. 10) 421 that is capable of switching between the heatingunits 415, 417 (and 315, 317) and maintaining a desired temperature, asdesired at between about 6 to 45 amps.

FIG. 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of a catalytic converter 500of the present disclosure in which an array of magnets 507 are placed toabut an external shell 502 from inside the shell 502. Similar to otherembodiments, heating elements 514 are arranged in openings 512 of asupport lattice of a filter 510 with electrical leads that power theheating elements 514 extending from the heating elements 514.

FIG. 9A an end view of the magnets 507 and FIG. 8B depicts an explodedview of the magnets 507. It is noted that there may be a central coremagnetic rod 509 as part of the set of magnets 507. Such a core 509 isnot essential, but increases the possibility for different arrangementsof polarity of the magnets 507. For example, the outer magnets 507 thatface each other may have the same or different polarities, which mayvary along the longitudinal direction. In addition, the core magneticrod 509 may be one piece extending from the inlet port 506 to the outletport 508, with one polarity at each end or it may be made of segmentsthat are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction andhave polarities that vary in the longitudinal direction. Although themagnets 507 have been depicted as fixed magnets, they may also beelectromagnets maintained by current sources (not shown).

FIG. 10 depicts electronic connections of a catalytic converter.

As shown in FIG. 11, temperature sensors 325, 425 can be placed near theadditional heaters 315, 415, 317, 417 to aid in ensuring proper internaltemperature is maintained.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a catalytic converter of thepresent invention indicating that secondary heaters 315, 415, 317, 417can be placed at various locations within the catalytic converter andany number of secondary heaters can be used depending on the size of theunit.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict an embodiment of one type of additional heater700 that that can be inserted into a catalytic converter from theoutside thereof and screwed in place. As such, the heater 600 is removalif needed.

FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment of an additional heater 800 that thatcan arranged in a catalytic converter.

In use, the catalytic converter 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is placed sothat gases to be treated flow from the inlet port 106, 206, 306, 406,506 through disruptor plates 318 (in some embodiments), through asecondary heating element 114, 214, 314, 414, 515 and enter a volume inwhich they are subjected both to additional heating in some embodimentsfrom additional heaters 317, 318 and magnetic fields by magnets 407,507. The additional heaters and/or magnetic fields can interact with theindividual molecules and ions of the gases passing through catalyticconverters and increase the efficiency of catalytic conversion thattakes place before exiting a catalytic converter.

It is noted that in addition to heaters being included within acatalytic converter, they can be added to existing catalytic converters

FIG. 15 illustrates an assembly view of an embodiment of an exhaustsystem 600 for an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. Theexhaust system 600 generally includes a catalytic converter 602, whichis configured to reduce exhaust emissions and is arranged downstream ofan engine, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) filtration system 604that is arranged downstream of the catalytic converter 602 and connectedto the catalytic converter 602 by tubing 606, a muffler 608 that isarranged downstream of the selective catalytic reduction filtrationsystem 604 and connected to the selective catalytic reduction filtrationsystem 604 buy tubing 610.

As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, the catalytic converter 602 includes afirst housing or first shell 612, a second housing or second shell 614that is encompassed by the first housing 612, an inlet 616 where exhaustgases enter the first housing 612 and an outlet 618 where the exhaustwhere gases exit the first housing 612. Within the internal cavity ofthe first housing 612, between the inlet 616 and the outlet 618, twofilters, including a first filter 626 and a second filter 628, arearranged with the filters 626, 628 being spaced from each other. Thefirst filter 626 is configured to oxidize harmful exhaust gases and inparticular carbon dioxide (CO₂). The second filter 628 is configured tocontinue to filter out/eliminate harmful exhaust gases including, butnot limited to, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogenoxide (NOx) as well as hydrocarbons (HC), and other harmful chemicals.The filters can be comprised of ceramic.

Both the first filter 626 and the second filter 628, which can becomprised, for example, of ceramic, include a plurality of honeycombshaped openings that are coated 629 with one or more noble metals andinclude a plurality of rods 630 that extend through the honeycombstructure. The rods 630, which can be comprised of a heat-treated metalor alloy (e.g., copper or steel), extend longitudinally about thefilters 626, 628 such that one end of each rod 630 is orientatedgenerally toward the inlet 616 and the other end of each rod 630 isorientated generally toward the outlet 618 of the catalytic converter602. However, the rods 630 can also or instead be arranged traverseabout the filters 626, 628. As addressed further below, the rods 630function to transfer heat into the filters 6262, 628 and the heated rodmass within the filters 626, 628 helps to maintain a constanttemperature within the catalytic converter 602. Additionally, betweenthe first housing 612 and the second housing 614, as shown in FIG. 15A,a plurality of magnets 632 are arranged and disbursed. While theplacement of the magnets 632 is shown between the housings 612, 614, themagnets 632 can be placed on or within both filters 626, 628, within thecavity 622 and/or external of the first housing 612.

To assess the percentage of oxygen in the exhaust gas, an oxygen sensor620, which communicates with an electronic control unit, is fixedexternal to the catalytic converter 602 and extends into a cavity 622 ofthe first housing 612, downstream of the inlet 616 and before the firstfilter 626. To increase the internal temperature of the catalyticconverter 602 above a threshold temperature, an electric heater 624 isutilized that extends into the first housing cavity 622 from outside ofthe second housing 614, upstream of the first filter 626. The heater 624is connected external of the catalytic converter to a power source andelectronic control unit and operates to heat the interior of thecatalytic converter 602 above a threshold temperature. The heater 624depicted in FIG. 16 includes a wound metal coil 625. However, the heater624 can take any form to ensure internal hearting of the catalyticconverter 602. It is noted that while the heater 624 is shown to extendinto the catalytic converter 602 in in FIGS. 15 and 16 before thefilters 626, 628, more than one heater 624 can be arranged to extendinto the cavity 622, the heater(s) 624 can be arranged within one ormore of the filters 626, 628, a heater 624 can be arranged between thefilters 626, 628, etc. As such, the placement of the heater(s) 624should not be limited to the embodiment shown in the figures. It isfurther noted that one or more heaters of any design can be arrangedentirely within the cavity 622 of the catalytic converter 602 at anyposition within the catalytic converter 602 within the first housing 612and/or the second housing 614 and/or can be fixed external to thecatalytic converter 602 and/or fixed within or external to the tubing606 that is located directly upstream of the catalytic converter 602. Toassess the temperature of the exhaust gas prior to exiting the catalyticconverter 602, a heat sensor 630, which is connected to an electroniccontrol unit (ECU), is located near the inlet 616 and/or outlet 618.

Upon startup of an engine from a cold start, the electric heater 624 issimultaneously turned on by the electronic control unit to aid inheating the internal temperature of the catalytic converter 602 (i.e.,the catalytic converter is heated for a minimum of seven minutes uponengine startup) above the temperature of the exhaust gases andparticulate matter. The heater 624 can remain on after reaching adesired temperature or it can be turned off and then turned back on ifthe temperature within the catalytic converter 602 drops below athreshold temperature. This is done via the electronic control unitwhich can receive input signals from one or more thermometers and othersensors and generates a signal to control the activity of the heater624. The rods 630, which extend longitudinally about the filters 626,628 in an assembled state within the catalytic converter 602 provide aconduit for more rapid heat transfer from the heater 624 through thefilters 626, 628 and thereby accelerate heating the internal temperatureof the catalytic converter 602 to a desired internal temperature and aidin maintaining the desired internal temperature above a threshold acrossthe surface area of the filters 626, 628 and cavity 622 of the catalyticconverter 602 to oxidize harmful exhaust gases at least throughout thefilters 626, 628 and surrounding internal surface area.

By increasing the internal temperature of the catalytic converter 602 toa temperature greater than the normal operating temperature of thecatalytic converter 602, harmful chemicals and particulates that arepart of the exhaust gas are oxidized and/or burned off before exitingthe catalytic converter 602 more efficiently than in than in aconventional catalytic converter. The filters 626, 628 aid to trapand/or slows the flow of the exhaust gases as they passes across theinternal cavity of the catalytic converter 602 through the honeycombopenings and the noble metal filter coating 629 aids to further slow anddisrupts the flow of the exhaust gases across the internal catalyticconverter cavity 622 such that more of the harmful exhaust emissions canbe heated above a threshold exhaust gas temperature and oxidize and/orburn off prior to exiting the catalytic converter 602. The thresholdtemperature can be optimized for any given configuration based on theamount of additional oxidization/burn off desired balanced with thephysical limitations of the system 602 components and other factors.

The magnets 632 polarity aids to further disrupt and slow the flow ofexhaust gases and particulates as they pass through the catalyticconverter 602 by increasing the electric current within the cavity 622of the catalytic converter 602. Disrupting and slowing the flow ofexhaust gases and particulates allows for heating of the exhaust gasesfor a longer period of time within the cavity 622 of the catalyticconverter 602 and in turn further oxidization and reduction of toxicbyproducts of exhaust gases. Because the temperature within thecatalytic converter 602 can be very high, the magnets 632 used should becapable of operating at the expected maximum temperature withoutsuffering degradation (e.g., AINiCo magnets).

Downstream of the catalytic converter 602 and connected to the catalyticconverter 603 by tubing 606 is the selective catalytic reduction system604, which is configured to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO_(x)) gases byoxidizing the nitrogen dioxide gases and converting them into harmlessexhaust emissions (e.g., nitrogen, water, and a small amount of carbondioxide) that are emitted out of the exhaust system 600 and into theenvironment without the need to incorporate a liquid-reductant agentinto the exhaust stream to reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide.

The selective catalytic reduction system 604 as depicted in FIG. 17 iscomprised of a filter 640 that includes a plurality of honeycomb shapedopenings in addition to small holes 642 that are dispersed about thefilter 640. The small holes 642 are included to further disrupt the flowof exhaust gases from a laminar path and slow down the gases fromexiting the selective catalytic reduction system 604 (see also FIG.18A). The filter 640, similar to the filters 626, 628 in the catalyticconverter 602, is coated with one or more noble metals 644 and includesa plurality of heat transfer and stabilization rods 646 that extendlongitudinally through the honeycomb structure such that the one end ofeach rod 646 is orientated generally toward the inlet 616 and the otherend of each rod 646 is orientated generally toward the outlet 618. Therods 646 can be comprised of a heat-treated metal or alloy (e.g., copperor steel). A second electric heater 624, which communicates with anelectronic control unit, extends into the selective catalytic reductionsystem 604 upstream of filter 640. Similar to the filters 626, 628 ofthe catalytic converter 602, the rods 646 and metal coating 644 of thefilter 640 of the selective catalytic reduction system 604 aid to ensurethe internal temperature across the filter 640 is maintained. It isnoted that the selective catalytic reduction system 604 includes one ormore nitrogen dioxide sensors that are maintained by the electroniccontrol unit and used to control the electric heater 624 to ensures thatthe system 640 operates efficiently.

By increasing the internal temperature of the selective catalyticreduction system 604, more of the harmful chemicals and particulatesthat are part of the exhaust gas are burned off. The filter 640 aids totrap and/or slows the flow of the exhaust gases as they passes acrossthe internal cavity of the selective catalytic reduction system 604through the honeycomb openings and the noble metal filter coating 644aids to further slow and disrupts the flow of the exhaust gases suchthat more of the harmful exhaust emissions can be heated above athreshold temperature (that exceeds a normal operating temperaturewithin the catalytic converter 602 absent the heater 624) and burn offprior to exiting the selective catalytic reduction system 604. Inaddition to the rods 646 and coating 644, a plurality of magnets 646 arearranged and disbursed within the filter 640 as shown in FIGS. 15B, 18Aand 18B.

Similar to the magnets 632 in the catalytic converter 602, the polarityof the magnets 646 aids to further disrupt and slow the flow 647 ofexhaust gases and particulates as they pass over the filter 640 byincreasing the electric current in the vicinity of the magnets 646 todisrupt and slow the flow of exhaust gases and particulates which inturn allows for heating of the exhaust gases for a longer period of timewithin the selective reduction system 604 and in turn furtheroxidization and reduction of toxic byproducts of exhaust gases. It isnoted that in addition or instead of the placement of the magnets 646within the filter, the magnets 646 can be arranged between the filter640 and the selective catalytic reduction system 604, and/or externalthe selective catalytic reduction system 604 housing. Because thetemperature within the selective catalytic reduction system 604 can bevery high, the magnets 646 used should be capable of operating at theexpected maximum temperature without suffering degradation (e.g., AINiComagnets).

Upon exiting the selective catalytic reduction system 604, the remainingexhaust gases will flow through the tubing 610 that connects theselective catalytic reduction system 606 and into the muffler 608. Themuffler 608 is configured to reduce or “muffle” engine noise, furtherreduce remaining harmful exhaust gases and cool the exhaust temperature.As depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20, the muffler 608 includes a housing 648in which one or more silencers 650 and a plurality of plates 652 thatare interdispersed and/or spaced from each other are located. The plates652, which can, for example, be comprised of steel, are coated with oneor more noble metal(s) 654 and are located near an inlet 652 of themuffler 608. The noble metal coating 654 aids, similar to in thecatalytic converter 602, to cause the flow of the exhaust gases tobecome turbulent within the housing 648 and disrupt and in turn slowsthe flow of hot exhaust gases as they pass from the inlet 652 of themuffler 608 through the muffler housing 648 and exit the exhaust housing648 though an outlet 654. The disruption of the exhaust gases within themuffler 608 due to the inclusion of the noble metal coated plates 652allows for more time for the exhaust gases to burn off harmful emissionsprior to exiting the muffler 608 and entering the environment.

FIGS. 21A-26 illustrate an embodiment of an exhaust system 700 for avehicle that runs on diesel fuel. The exhaust system 700 generallyincludes a catalytic converter 702, a diesel particulate filter (DPF)704, tubing 706 that connects the catalytic converter 702 to the dieselparticulate filter 704, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) filtrationsystem 708, tubing 710 that connects the catalytic converter 702 to theselective catalytic reduction filtration system 708, a muffler 712 andtubing 714 that connects the muffler 712 to the selective catalyticreduction filtration system 708.

As depicted in FIG. 22, the catalytic converter 702 includes a housing716, an inlet 718 where exhaust gases enter a cavity 720 of the housing716 and an outlet 722 where the exhaust where gases exit the housing716. An oxygen sensor is fixed externally to the housing 716 and extendsinto the cavity 720, downstream of the inlet 718 to assess thepercentage of oxygen in the exhaust gas. An electric heater 724 (seeFIG. 21A) extends into the cavity 720 from outside of the housing 716.The heater 724 is connected external of the catalytic converter 702 to apower source and an electronic control unit. The heater 724 depicted inFIG. 21A includes a wound metal coil 725. However, the heater 724 cantake any form to ensure internal hearting of the catalytic converter702. To assess the temperature of the exhaust gas prior to exiting thecatalytic converter 702, a heat sensor is located near the inlet 718and/or outlet 722.

As shown in FIG. 22, within the internal cavity 722 of the housing 716,downstream of the heater 724, at least one filter 726 is arranged. Thefilter 726 is configured to filter out/eliminate harmful exhaust gasesincluding, but not limited to, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide(CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx) as well as hydrocarbons (HC), particulatematter (PM) and other harmful chemicals and debris. The filter 726,which can be comprised, for example, of ceramic, is coated with one ormore noble metals 728 and includes a plurality of honeycomb shapedopenings. The openings of the filter 726 are configured to disrupt theflow of exhaust gases and trap particulate matter to prevent theparticulate matter from being emitted into the environment. A pluralityof rods 730, which can be comprised of a heat-treated metal or alloy(e.g., copper or steel) extend longitudinally through the honeycombstructure of the filter 726. The rods 730 can also or instead extendtraverse about the filter 726. Additionally, a plurality of magnets 732are disbursed internal of the housing 716. The magnets 732 can bearranged near or in contact with the filter 726 and/or within the filter726.

Similar to an engine that utilizes gasoline, upon startup of a dieselengine that utilizes the exhaust system 700 from a cold start, theelectric heater 724 is simultaneously turned on by an electronic controlunit (ECU) to aid in heating the internal temperature of the catalyticconverter 702 (i.e., the catalytic converter is heated for a minimum ofseven minutes upon engine startup) above a temperature of the exhaustgases and particulate matter. The heater 724 can remain on afterreaching a desired temperature or it can be turned off and then turnedback on if the temperature within the catalytic converter 702 dropsbelow a threshold temperature. The rods 730 are configured to accelerateheating the internal temperature of the catalytic converter 702 to adesired internal temperature and aid in maintaining the desired internaltemperature at least throughout the filter 726 and surrounding internalsurface area.

By increasing the internal temperature of the catalytic converter 702,harmful chemicals and particulates that are part of the exhaust gas areoxidized and/or burned off before exiting the catalytic converter 702.The noble metal filter coating 728 aids to further slow and disrupts theflow of the exhaust gases across the internal catalytic converter cavitysuch that more of the harmful exhaust emissions can be heated above athreshold temperature and burn off prior to exiting the catalyticconverter 702. The magnets 732 further disrupt and slow the flow ofexhaust gases and particulates as they pass through the catalyticconverter 702, similar to the magnets 632, 634, 646 incorporated intothe gasoline exhaust system 600, by increasing the electric currentwithin the cavity 720 of the catalytic converter 702 via the polarity ofthe magnets 732. Disrupting and slowing the flow of exhaust gases andparticulates allows for heating of the exhaust gases for a longer periodof time within the cavity 720 of the catalytic converter 702 and in turnfurther oxidization and reduction of toxic byproducts of exhaust gases.

Upon exiting the catalytic converter 702, the remaining harmful exhaustgases, particulates and debris travel through the tubing 710 and intothe diesel particulate filter 704. The diesel particulate filter 704 isdesigned to trap particulates (e.g. soot) after they exit the catalyticconverter 702 and prior to exiting the exhaust system 700 and beingemitted into the environment. As depicted in FIG. 21B, the dieselparticulate filter 704 is a ceramic filter that includes a plurality ofhoneycomb shaped openings that are configured to trap particulates(e.g., soot) to prevent the particulates from being emitted into theenvironment. The filter 704 is coated with one or more noble metals 736and includes a plurality of rods 738 that extend through the honeycombstructure and can be comprised of a heat-treated metal or alloy (e.g.,copper or steel). Additionally, a plurality of magnets 739 are disbursedat least one of internal of the filter 704, near or in contact with thefilter 704 and/or within the filter 704.

In order to reduce the particulate matter that has accumulated on thefilter 704 and prevent the particulate matter from blocking the filter704 and in turn creating backpressure in the exhaust system 700, thefilter 704 must be cleaned through regeneration by burning off theparticulate that has accumulated on the filter 704. Typically, there aretwo types of regeneration, including active regeneration and passiveregeneration where the oxidation temperature of the particulate matteris lowered allow for auto-regeneration during regular operation of thevehicle commonly by adding a catalyst precursor to the fuel or to thefilter. Here, the diesel particulate filter 704 uses activeregeneration. However, unlike existing regeneration systems, a heater740, which communicates with an electronic control unit, is placedupstream of the filter 704 and used in combination with the rods 738,metal coating 736 and magnets 739 arranged within the filter 704 toincrease the electrical current (magnets), disrupt the flow of exhaustgases and particulate matter (coating) and raise the temperature of thefilter 704 (rods) and in turn raise the temperature of the particulatesthat are trapped on and within the filter to oxidize the particulate andcreate a gaseous byproduct (i.e., CO₂). Additionally, the percentage ofnitrogen dioxide in the exhaust gas is reduced and converted to nitrogenmonoxide. This chemical process is constantly repeated to so that thefilter 704 to continuously cleaned and requires no maintenance. As suchthere is not a need for any further aid with regeneration, for example,with the assistance from an engine management system.

Downstream of the diesel particulate filter 704 in the diesel exhaustsystem 700 is the selective catalytic reduction system 708, which,similar to the selective catalytic reduction system 604 in the gasolineexhaust system 600, is configured to reduce nitrogen dioxide gases byoxidizing them and converting them into harmless exhaust emissions(e.g., nitrogen, water, and a small amount of carbon dioxide) that areemitted out of the exhaust system 700 and into the environment withoutthe need to introduce a liquid-reductant agent that into the exhauststream.

The selective catalytic reduction system 708 is comprised of a filter742 that includes a plurality of honeycomb shaped openings 744 and smallholes 746 dispersed about the filter 742. The filter 742 is coated withone or more noble metals 748, includes a plurality of rods 750 thatextend through the honeycomb structure and a plurality of magnets 747that are dispersed about the filter 742.

An electric heater 749, which communicates with an electronic controlunit, extends into the selective catalytic reduction system 708,upstream of filter 742. The heater 749 is configured to raise theinternal temperature of the selective catalytic reduction system 708above a threshold in conjunction with the rods 750 and metal coating 748to ensure that the internal temperature across the filter 742 andsurrounding internal surface area is greater than the temperature of theremaining exhaust gases and particulate matter and is maintained tofurther reduce the percentage of nitrogen dioxide gases as they travelacross the filter 742. The small holes 746 and magnets 747 are includedto aid in further disrupting the flow of exhaust gases as they travelwithin the selective catalytic reduction system 708 to provide more timefor the exhaust gases to oxidize and/or be burned off as they passthrough the heated system 708 before exiting. It is noted that theselective catalytic reduction system 706 includes one or more nitrogendioxide sensors to ensures that the system 706 operates efficiently.

Upon exiting the selective catalytic reduction system 706, the remainingexhaust gases will flow through the tubing 714 to the muffler 712. Themuffler 712 is identical to the muffler 608 for the gasoline exhaustsystem. As depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26, the muffler 712 includes ahousing 752 in which one or more silencers 754 and a plurality of plates756 that are interdispersed and/or spaced from each other are located.The plates 756, which can, for example, be comprised of steel, arecoated with one or more noble metal(s) 758. The noble metal coating 758aids to disrupt the flow of the exhaust gases within the housing 752such that they become turbulent, which in turn slows the flow of the hotexhaust gases as they pass from an inlet 760 of the muffler 712 throughand exit the muffler housing 752 though an outlet 762. The disruption ofthe exhaust gases within the muffler 712 due to the inclusion of thenoble metal coated plates 756 allows the exhaust gases and particulatematter more time within the muffler 712 to burn off and/or oxidize priorto exiting the muffler 712 and entering the environment.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exhaust system 800 for a coal burning apparatus,device or the like. The exhaust system 800 includes a housing 802.Sequentially, within the housing 802 is a first selective catalyticreduction filtration system 806 directly downstream of an inlet 804, afirst electric heater 808, a second selective catalytic reductionfiltration system 810, a second heater 812 and another filter 813 with ahoneycomb structure. Additionally, dispersed about the interior of thehousing 802, near the internal sidewall is a plurality of magnets 815.It is noted that the design and properties of the selective catalyticreduction filtration systems 806, 810 and heaters 808, 812 are the sameas those discussed above with regard to the gasoline and diesel exhaustsystems 600, 700 and as such the same features are incorporated byreferences as part of the coal exhaust system 800.

Downstream of the exhaust system 800 in FIG. 27 is a first electricblower 814, a plurality of filters 816 that include a honeycombstructure 817 (see details in FIGS. 27A and 27B), chutes 817 that directunburned particles (e.g., coal) to a waste bin 818 in which the unburnedparticles are disposed, an additional metal filtration system 820, asecond electric blower 822 and a smoke stack 824 through which cleangases exit into the environment.

FIG. 28 depicts an exhaust system 900 for a motorcycle. As shown, afirst selective catalytic reduction filtration system 902 is arrangedwithin exhaust tubing 904 and an electric heater 906 and a secondselective catalytic reduction filtration system 908 are arranged withinan exhaust housing 909. As shown in FIG. 28, the heater 906 is arrangedto extend within housing 909 near an inlet 912 of the housing 908 withthe second selective catalytic reduction filtration system 908 locateddownstream of the heater 906. The heater 908 is configured to operateusing the desired voltage (e.g., 6-45 amps) of the vehicle.

The selective catalytic reduction filtration systems 902, 908, like theselective catalytic reduction filtrations systems 604, 708, 806, 810discussed above, are configured to reduce nitrogen dioxide gases byoxidizing the nitrogen dioxide gases and converting them into harmlessexhaust emissions that are emitted out of the exhaust system 900 andinto the environment without the need to introduce a liquid-reductantagent into the selective catalytic reduction filtrations systems 902,908.

The selective catalytic reduction systems 902, 908 each, respectively,include a filter 914, 915 that has a plurality of honeycomb shapedopenings coated with one or more noble metals 916, 917, a plurality ofrods 918, 919 comprised of a metal or alloy that extend longitudinallythrough the honeycomb structure and a plurality of magnets 920, 921. Itis noted that the rods 918, 919 could instead or in addition extendtraverse about the filter 914, 915. The rods 918, 919 and metal coating916, 917 aid to ensure the internal temperature across the filters 914,915 are maintained. The magnets 920, 921 are arranged and disbursedwithin the filters 914, 915 to aid, through their polarity, to furtherdisrupt and slow the flow of exhaust gases and particulates as they passover the filters 914, 915 by increasing the electric current in thevicinity of the magnets 920, 921 to allow for heating of the exhaustgases for a longer period of time within each respective selectivereduction system 902, 908 and in turn further oxidization and reductionof toxic byproducts of exhaust gases. It is noted that in addition orinstead of the placement of the magnets 920, 921 within the filter 914,915, the magnets 920, 921 can be arranged adjacent to the filters 914,915 and/or external each respective selective catalytic reduction system902, 908 housing.

It is further noted that while two selective catalytic reduction systems902, 908 are shown, exhaust system 900 can include only a singleselective catalytic reduction system 908 in the housing 909.

FIG. 29 depicts an exhaust system 1000 for a lawnmower. As shown, anelectric heater 1002 and a selective catalytic reduction filtrationsystem 1004 are arranged within an exhaust housing 1006. The heater 1002is arranged to extend within housing 1006 upstream within the housing1006 with the selective catalytic reduction filtration system 1004located downstream of the heater 1002. The heater 1002 is configured tooperate using the desired voltage (e.g., 6-45 amps) of the vehicle. Itis noted that should the lawnmower and/or another machine not operate ona battery that the heat could be supplied by the engine instead of usinga heater.

The selective catalytic reduction filtration system 1004 like theselective catalytic reduction filtration systems discussed above, areconfigured to reduce nitrogen dioxide gases by oxidizing and convertingthem into harmless exhaust emissions that are emitted out of the exhaustsystem 1000 and into the environment without the need to introduce aliquid-reductant agent into the selective catalytic reduction filtrationsystem 1004. The selective catalytic reduction system 1004 includes afilter 1008 that has a plurality of honeycomb shaped openings, is coatedwith one or more noble metals 1010, includes a plurality of rods 1012comprised of a metal or alloy that extend longitudinally through thehoneycomb structure and a plurality of magnets 1014 arranged within thefilter 1008. The heater 1002, rods 1012, metal coating 1010 and magnets1014 perform the same function(s) as discussed above with regard to theexhaust systems 600-900. It is noted that in addition or instead of theplacement of the magnets 1014 within the filter 1008, the magnets 1014can be arranged adjacent to the filters 1008 and/or external the housing1006 of the exhaust system 1000.

FIG. 30 depicts an exhaust system 2000 for non-battery operatedmachinery that utilizes a fossil fuel. As shown, a selective catalyticreduction filtration system 2002, which does not utilize aliquid-reductant agent, includes a filter 2004 that is arranged within ahousing 2003 and that has a plurality of honeycomb shaped openings, iscoated with one or more noble metals 2006, includes a plurality of rods2008 comprised of a metal or alloy that extend longitudinally throughthe honeycomb structure and a plurality of magnets 2010 arranged withinthe filter 2004. The rods 2008, metal coating 2006 and magnets 2010perform the same function(s) as discussed above with regard to theexhaust systems 600-1000 with the difference with respect to the system2000 that the elements are not heated within the housing 2003. It isnoted that in addition or instead of the placement of the magnets 2010within the filter 2004, the magnets 2010 can be arranged adjacent to thefilters 2004 and/or external to the housing 2003 of the exhaust system2000.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrateprinciples, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the presentinvention. However, the present invention should not be construed asbeing limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein. Variationsto the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilledin the art without departing from the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the above-described embodiments and accompanying drawingsshould be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A catalytic converter, comprising: an externalshell delimited at an inlet port and an outlet port; at least one heaterarranged within the external shell that is configured to heat toxicgases and particulate matter that enters the catalytic and at leastreduce said eliminate said gases and particulate matter prior to saidgases and particulate matter exiting the catalytic converter.
 2. Thecatalytic converter of claim 1, further comprising a second shell spacedfrom the external shell and a plurality of magnets arranged between theexternal shell and the second shell.
 3. The catalytic converter of claim1, wherein a plurality of heaters are arranged in the external shellwith a first heater arranged near the inlet port and a second heaterarranged near the outlet port.
 4. The catalytic converter of claim 1,further comprising a disrupter plate arranged adjacent the at least oneheater.
 5. The catalytic converter of claim 1, further comprising afilter arranged within the external shell between the inlet port and theoutlet port that is at least one of coated and sprayed with noble metalsto aid in maintaining an internal temperature of the catalyticconverter.
 6. An exhaust system, comprising: a catalytic converter thatincludes a housing in which an electric heating element is at leastpartially arranged and in which a filter is arranged that has a metalliccoating and includes a plurality of metal rods extending therethrough; aselective catalytic reduction system that includes a housing in which anelectric heating element is at least partially arranged and in which afilter is arranged that has a metallic coating and includes a pluralityof metal rods extending therethrough; and a muffler.
 7. The exhaustsystem of claim 6, wherein the catalytic converter includes a firstfilter and a second filter arranged therein.
 8. The exhaust system ofclaim 6, wherein the housing of the catalytic converter includes a firsthousing and a second housing that is spaced from and arranged within thefirst housing and the catalytic converter further comprises a pluralityof magnets arranged between the first housing and the second housing. 9.The exhaust system of claim 6, wherein the filter of the selectivecatalytic reduction system includes a plurality of magnets arrangedtherein.
 10. The exhaust system of claim 6, wherein the muffler includesa housing and a plurality of plates that have a metallic coating and arespaced from each other within the housing.
 11. An exhaust system,comprising: a catalytic converter that includes a housing in which anelectric heating element is at least partially arranged and in which afilter is arranged that has a metallic coating and includes a pluralityof metal rods extending therethrough; a diesel particulate filter thatincludes a housing in which an electric heating element is at leastpartially arranged and in which a filter is arranged that has a metalliccoating and includes a plurality of metal rods extending therethrough; aselective catalytic reduction system that includes a housing in which anelectric heating element is at least partially arranged and in which afilter is arranged that has a metallic coating and includes a pluralityof metal rods extending therethrough; and a muffler.
 12. The exhaustsystem of claim 11, wherein the housing of the catalytic converterincludes a first housing and a second housing that is spaced from andarranged within the first housing and the catalytic converter furthercomprises a plurality of magnets arranged between the first housing andthe second housing.
 13. The exhaust system of claim 11, wherein thefilter of the diesel particulate filter and the filter of the selectivecatalytic reduction system each include a plurality of magnets arrangedtherein.
 14. The exhaust system of claim 11, wherein the mufflerincludes a housing and a plurality of plates that have a metalliccoating and are spaced from each other within the housing.